From the MCRFB NEWS archive: 1962
NEW “MOTORTOWN SOUND” REVUE AWES NYC APOLLO CROWD
DETROIT — The Detroit-based new rhythm and blues Tamla-Motown show opened New York’s Apollo Theater last week and in it’s final few days appeared on its way to cracking box-office records. The show, scheduled to run for ten days at the Harlem theater, starred top Tamla-Motown acts headlining the event — the Miracles, Mary Wells, the Contours, the Supremes, the Marvelettes and others Motown acts, including Marv Johnson, a United Artist star, who is currently managed by Tamla-Motown chief Barry Gordy, Jr., was also featured on the bill.
Gordy, who manages and books all his Motown talents on his two hot labels, booked the entire show into the Apollo Theater. Prior to playing here, the show gained acclaimed exposure with a week’s performance in Washington and a string of one-nighters through the South. The rock and roll R&B show will play an engagement in Newark before heading back to its home base in Detroit.
This is not the first show ever sponsored by a label, but it is one of the most successful venue ever sponsored by a recording company promoting and showcasing of their talent/product. It is understood that Gordy, who has had much success with his record firms, will be presenting more shows of this type in the future. END
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(Information and news source: Billboard; December 22, 1962)
